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Q.Solve the following linear programming problem graphically: Minimise Z=x−5yZ = x - 5y subject to the constraints: x−y≥0x - y \ge 0, −x+2y≥2-x + 2y \ge 2, x≥3x \ge 3, y≤4y \le 4, y≥0y \ge 0.

CBSECBSE Class XII Board 2025Subjective· 3mImportance★★★★★
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To minimise the objective function Z=x−5yZ = x - 5y, we first graph the feasible region defined by the given constraints. Then, we evaluate ZZ at each corner point of this region. The minimum value of ZZ is −16\boxed{-16}, occurring at the point (4,4)(4,4).

Linear Programming Problems (LPPs) involve optimising (maximising or minimising) a linear objective function subject to a set of linear inequalities called constraints. The graphical method is a powerful way to solve LPPs with two variables, as it provides a visual understanding of the problem.

The core idea is that the set of all points satisfying the constraints forms a region in the coordinate plane, known as the feasible region. This region is always a convex polygon (it can be bounded or unbounded). A fundamental theorem of linear programming states that the optimal (maximum or minimum) value of the objective function, if it exists, will always occur at one of the corner points (vertices) of this feasible region. This is because the objective function represents a family of parallel lines, and the optimal value is achieved when one of these lines just touches the feasible region at an extreme point.

Here's how we solve the given problem graphically:

  1. Identify the Objective Function and Constraints

    We need to minimise the objective function:

    Z=x−5yZ = x - 5y

    Subject to the following constraints:

    1. x−y≥0x - y \ge 0
    2. −x+2y≥2-x + 2y \ge 2
    3. x≥3x \ge 3
    4. y≤4y \le 4
    5. y≥0y \ge 0
  2. Convert Inequalities to Equations and Plot the Boundary Lines

    To graph the feasible region, we first treat each inequality as an equality to find the boundary lines.

    • Constraint 1: x−y≥0  ⟹  x−y=0  ⟹  y=xx - y \ge 0 \implies x - y = 0 \implies y = x

      This is a line passing through the origin with a slope of 1.

      Points: (0,0),(1,1),(3,3),(4,4)(0,0), (1,1), (3,3), (4,4)

    • Constraint 2: −x+2y≥2  ⟹  −x+2y=2-x + 2y \ge 2 \implies -x + 2y = 2

      To plot this line, find its intercepts:

      If x=0x=0, 2y=2  ⟹  y=12y=2 \implies y=1. Point: (0,1)(0,1)

      If y=0y=0, −x=2  ⟹  x=−2-x=2 \implies x=-2. Point: (−2,0)(-2,0)

    • Constraint 3: x≥3  ⟹  x=3x \ge 3 \implies x = 3

      This is a vertical line passing through x=3x=3.

    • Constraint 4: y≤4  ⟹  y=4y \le 4 \implies y = 4

      This is a horizontal line passing through y=4y=4.

    • Constraint 5: y≥0  ⟹  y=0y \ge 0 \implies y = 0

      This is the x-axis.

  3. Determine the Feasible Region

    Now, we determine which side of each line satisfies its corresponding inequality. We can do this by picking a test point (like the origin (0,0)(0,0) if it's not on the line) and checking if it satisfies the inequality.

    • For x−y≥0x - y \ge 0 (or y≤xy \le x):

      Test point (1,0)(1,0): 1−0=1≥01 - 0 = 1 \ge 0 (True). The feasible region lies on the side of y=xy=x that contains (1,0)(1,0), which is below or to the right of the line y=xy=x.

    • For −x+2y≥2-x + 2y \ge 2 (or y≥12x+1y \ge \frac{1}{2}x + 1):

      Test point (0,0)(0,0): −0+2(0)=0≥2-0 + 2(0) = 0 \ge 2 (False). The feasible region lies on the side of −x+2y=2-x+2y=2 that does not contain (0,0)(0,0), which is above or to the right of the line.

    • For x≥3x \ge 3:

      Test point (4,0)(4,0): 4≥34 \ge 3 (True). The feasible region lies to the right of the line x=3x=3.

    • For y≤4y \le 4:

      Test point (0,0)(0,0): 0≤40 \le 4 (True). The feasible region lies below the line y=4y=4.

    • For y≥0y \ge 0:

      Test point (0,1)(0,1): 1≥01 \ge 0 (True). The feasible region lies above the line y=0y=0 (the x-axis).

    The feasible region is the area where all these shaded regions overlap. Graphing these lines and shading the appropriate regions reveals a bounded polygon.

  4. Identify the Corner Points of the Feasible Region

    The corner points are the vertices of the feasible region, formed by the intersection of the boundary lines. We need to find the coordinates of these intersection points.

    • Point A: Intersection of x=3x=3 and −x+2y=2-x+2y=2. Substitute x=3x=3 into −x+2y=2-x+2y=2: −3+2y=2  ⟹  2y=5  ⟹  y=2.5-3 + 2y = 2 \implies 2y = 5 \implies y = 2.5. …

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